David Bailey

My experience as a student growing up in a traditional classroom was a challenging one. However, I also had opportunities to participate in several experiential education programs. Those experiences with an alternative approach to education had a tremendous effect on how I saw myself and what I was capable of doing, and I went back into the classroom with more confidence and a stronger foundation for learning.Those programs began what has become a life long journey of exploring different pedagogies for education. The Adventure Unlimited Ranches allowed me to develop a leadership-training program for young counselors. From that position I became Rocky Mountain Regional chair of the Association for Experiential Education. One of my roles was to rejuvenate the Rocky Mountain region with a regional conference. This event brought over 300 educators together to explore innovative curriculum and programs.

My interest in youth at risk and educational leadership led me to pursue a Masters in Education. Most of my experience prior to that point was outside the traditional classroom setting and much of my Masters Program has been focused on the classroom environment itself. I have spent the last seven years in the classroom working with Middle School students to create dynamic and engaging curriculum in a variety of subject areas. My focus in all of these programs was teaching Science, Robotics and Adventure Education. Working with a team of core staff I helped develop curriculum and special programs. I received a Fund for Teachers grant for professional development that included Robotics courses at Carnegie Mellon Robotics and Engineering Consortium and a Reef Ecology course through the Oceans Future society.

My life to this point has been an expedition of learning, from climbing in the Himalayas to studying the volcanoes and reefs in Hawaii. Students that become life long learners are more likely to be interested in their community and active in the solutions needed to form a peaceful world.

Education:

BA from Western State, Fine Arts

Masters in Education

Christian Science Class Instruction and active church member

Experience:

Camp Director and Program Head at the Adventure Unlimited Ranches

Association for Experiential Education Rocky Mountain Regional Chair

Middle School Teacher at La Mariposa Montessori, Santa Fe School for the Arts, and The Philos School in New Mexico.

Certifications & Program Credentials:

National Outdoor Leadership School Graduate: Himalayan Expedition

Professional Ski Instructor Association member.

Wilderness First Aid

Avalanche Tech Level II

Training Coordinator and Team leader for Western State Search and Rescue